Postal and Proxy Voting in Scotland

What is changing?

• Electors in Scotland will be able to apply online for a postal or proxy vote online from 3 November 2026.
• Electors will be required to verify their identity by providing their National Insurance Number or an explanation of why they cannot provide it when applying for an absent vote.
• Electors in Scotland will no longer have an indefinite postal vote, a maximum of 3 years (ending on the third 31 January following the date of application) will apply. Electors will be required to submit a new application if they wish to continue to vote by post after that date.
• Electors in Scotland with a postal vote will no longer be asked to refresh their signature every 5 years, instead they will be required to re-apply every 3 years (see point above).
• Electors with a proxy vote will still be required to confirm their continued eligibility every 3 years and refresh their signature every 5 years.

How to apply for a postal or proxy vote

If you know that you won’t be able to get to a polling station on polling day, you can apply to vote by post or by proxy:

Postal Vote

You must be registered to vote to apply for a postal vote.

The easiest way to apply is online Apply for a proxy vote | Gov.uk. You will need to know your national insurance number, and you will also be asked to provide a copy of your signature.

If you are unable to apply online, you can download an application form from Apply for a postal vote | Gov.uk or alternatively you can contact the Electoral Registration Officer for a paper copy.

Proxy Vote

You can apply for a proxy vote for an indefinite period, a definite period or for a particular election. While everyone is entitled to a proxy vote at a particular poll, applications for a definite or indefinite period require a specific reason. For more information, please go to Apply to vote by proxy | Electoral Commission.

Both you and the person you are appointing as your proxy must be registered and eligible to vote.

If you are applying for a proxy for a particular election, you can apply online at Apply for a proxy vote | Gov.uk. You will need to know your national insurance number, and you will also be asked to provide a copy of your signature.

If you are applying for a definite or indefinite period, you must complete a paper application form. You can download the relevant application form from the Electoral Commission website Apply to vote by proxy | Electoral Commission or alternatively you can contact the Electoral Registration Officer for a paper copy.

Postal and proxy voting FAQs